Finding the correct color wire/s and, even more difficult, wires with tracers is not an easy task for there are many manufacturers out there that do sell pvc insulated wire our cars can be very specific. This is especially true when the subject is on color and tracer combinations. I’ve wondered those who do exacting reproductions of harnesses for their restorations where they get the spools or do they have these custom made. Think that it is not too far fetched to estimate the price being pretty high from a couple hundred to a few thousand dollars. Considering that spools of wire can run from varying lengths of about 3 to 40 feet, depending on gauge, and average at a cost of 10 dollars per roll, that being 10 dollars for each color it is none that trying to see how this adds up.
A better idea. Only get one color of wire, white, which will be all that is needed.
This is because there is a far better method and that is to dye the insulation yourself. I’ll attach a video I found on how this can be done below. May this be of benefit in the refurbishment or restoration of these cats or any project for that matter.
Interesting, but it doesn’t work for striped wires.
I pursued many vendors for specific wire color combinations, as I use Ford wiring schemes in all my restorations and fabrications. Yeah, it gets expensive real fast…prohibitively expensive when I need 10-15 different combinations. I harvested wire from harnesses that cannot be refurbished, and that helps quite a bit. But…there are some wires that I need that simply not available enough in existing harnesses (try finding black/green 18 gauge wire, for example…). I found Rhode Island Wiring sells almost all of the Ford wiring by the foot at reasonable prices. I typically buy 200-300 feet at a time. I’ve been pleased with their service, for sure!
I have been thinking about the stripped wire issue even before posting the initial entry and am still on that subject now as a matter of fact. Rhode Island Wiring is one to check into. Is their website ‘riwire.com’?
Hey midlife got any sources on generic wire with a tracer? I get my bulk wire from waytek but they dont have tracers. It would come in handy upfitting service bodys for our work trucks. Currently only using solid colored wire for my harnesses.
I’ve looked and haven’t found a vendor at a decent price for custom builds. I’ve yet to find any vendor selling bulk rolls with tracers. RI Wiring obviously has a source, but I felt it was inappropriate to ask them, as it would take away my business from them.
Occasionally, I see the right combinations on e-bay and Amazon, but rarely. I did find purple and white stripes (brake proportioning valve sensor lines) on a stereo site.
I think I may have a suggestion on how to do a wire with the tracer. The idea is to envision a guitar fret board with each being a string. A jig would need be constructed that can hold lengths of about 8 feet and allow the wire to lay flush against a flat surface. With the color for the tracer already dyed and cured take the tensioned wire. Between the taught wire and the mentioned flat surface is ‘Line tape’ used for masking or doing intricate automotive paint work. Setting the wire onto the tape, of which is tacky side up with the ends of the tape having be anchored to the backing surface apply the main color. Once dry remove the tape/backing unit and release from the jig. I doubt it will be 100 percent perfect but it is an idea.